Your Guide To Bacon

Let’s Talk Bacon

All Things Bacon

Ever wondered why some bacon crisps up perfectly while other types stay chewy? Or which bacon works best for your favourite recipes? At Uncle’s Small Goods we’ve been crafting traditional wood-smoked bacon since 1994, and we’re here to share our expertise.

In this guide, you’ll discover the distinctive characteristics of different bacon cuts, learn when to use each type, and understand what sets quality free-range bacon apart from mass-produced alternatives. We’ll reveal the secrets behind streaky bacon, shortcut bacon, bacon slab, and the prized ‘end bits’ that professional chefs treasure.

Whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or creating a gourmet dish, knowing your bacon makes all the difference. By the end of this article, you’ll approach bacon with the confidence and appreciation of a true “baconista” – armed with knowledge to enhance your cooking and impress your family and friends with your bacon wisdom.

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Understanding Bacon Varieties

Streaky Bacon

This is what many people think of when they hear “bacon”. Cut from the pork belly, these thin, fatty strips cook quickly and become wonderfully crisp. Perfect for breakfast, these thinner slices have a lighter taste that cooks out a bit faster in the pan. The distinctive alternating layers of fat and meat give streaky bacon its name and characteristic appearance. It’s ideal for those mornings when you need a quick, crunchy bacon fix.

Shortcut bacon

If you’re familiar with a “bacon rasher,” you’re already acquainted with shortcut bacon. This is the most popular style in Australia, cut from the leaner loin section of the pig with just a bit of fat around the edge.

These thicker cuts take longer to cook and won’t get quite as crispy as streaky bacon. The trade-off? A fuller, richer bacon flavour that doesn’t cook away as quickly. The thickness allows it to retain more of that distinctive taste we all love.

Shortcut bacon is excellent when you want the bacon flavour to shine through – imagine bacon bits on a Caesar salad, where you get both a satisfying texture and the full bacon flavour in every bite.

Bacon Slab

For the serious bacon enthusiast, there is the unsliced bacon slab – the whole piece of cured and smoked pork in its purest form. This gives you complete control over how you want to prepare your bacon. Slice it thick for juicy bacon steaks, cut it into cubes for hearty soups and stews, or dice it finely for gourmet pasta dishes and salads.

The beauty of bacon slab is its versatility – you can customise the thickness and style of cut to suit any recipe. It’s perfect for those who appreciate having complete control over their bacon experience and want to experiment with different cutting techniques and cooking methods. Many chefs prefer working with slab bacon for its consistency and adaptability in various culinary applications.

Bacon End Bits

What bacon enthusiasts consider the crown jewel of bacon cuts! These much thicker pieces from the ends of the bacon slab have a deeper, smokier flavour that stays intact during cooking. They’re delicious on their own and a great alternative to short cut bacon for omelettes, but they really shine when used in:

Toppings for baked potatoes (try them sautéed with onions)
Soups and stews where their robustness holds up beautifully
Any recipe that calls for bacon flavour that doesn’t get drowned by other ingredients

If you’re a true “baconista” (as we like to call bacon connoisseurs), you’ll appreciate the consistent smokey flavour that doesn’t get cooked or boiled out. These end bits deliver a wonderful taste experience that’s uniquely satisfying, especially from Uncle’s Small Goods.

Our Two Bacon Ranges

Whether you’re a streaky bacon devotee, a shortcut enthusiast, or an end-bit aficionado, we have the perfect bacon to satisfy your cravings. Our commitment to Australian Free-Range pork and traditional methods ensure that every slice delivers the flavour that bacon lovers appreciate.

Traditional Bacon

Our traditional range features the classic bacon taste many customers know and love. While it does contain natural nitrites, we never use:

Stabilisers
Emulsifiers
Artificial flavour enhancers
Liquid smoke

We source exclusively from Australian farmers with 100% Australian Free-Range Pork Certification. Only about 5% of Australian pork production is free-range, making our commitment to using only certified free-range pork significant in the industry.

Natural Nitrite-Free Bacon

For those concerned about nitrites, we’ve developed our natural nitrite-free range. We’ve maintained the traditional flavour while removing the synthetic nitrites altogether.

Instead of chemical preservatives like sodium nitrite (E250), artificial flavours, colours, or weight-gaining thickeners, we use:

A natural salt-based brine
100% Australian free-range pork
Sea salt
Pepper
Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary)
Honey
Tapioca
Carrot
Celery
Real wood smoke for authentic flavour

This range gives you all the bacon taste you love without the synthetic additives you don’t. The natural curing process creates a product that’s free from added chemical nitrites while maintaining food safety and that delicious bacon flavour you expect from Uncle’s.

The Uncle’s Free-Range Difference

We use certified 100% Australian free-range pork across our entire product range. We carefully select our suppliers from the small percentage of farmers who meet rigorous free-range certification standards.

superior flavour

Free-range pigs have access to the outdoors their entire lives, allowing them to express natural behaviours like rooting, foraging, and wallowing. This natural lifestyle results in meat with more complex flavour profiles and better marbling.

ethical production

Unlike conventional farms where pigs may be confined indoors, certified free-range pigs live with access to paddocks and shelter, free from sow stalls and farrowing crates. This higher welfare standard means happier, healthier animals.

supporting australian farmers

Only about 5% of Australian pork production is free-range. By choosing Uncle’s, you’re supporting local farmers who maintain high animal welfare standards despite the additional costs and labour involved.

environment responsibility

Certified free-range farming practices include paddock rotation, which helps manage nutrient build-up, restore soil structure, and promote overall environmental sustainability.

When you choose Uncle’s bacon, you’re not just selecting a premium product – you’re making a choice that’s better for animals, better for local farmers, and better for your taste buds.